Chelsea transfer focus around Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella
Reports in Spain link Chelsea with Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Alvaro Carreras. Alonso’s mooted leadership core includes Caicedo, Adarabioyo, Enzo, Cucurella and James, with Barca and Atleti eyeing Cucurella.
Chelsea’s summer ins include Geovany Quenda from Sporting and teenage forward Dastan Satpaev, with Strasbourg captain Emmanuel Emegha also set to join despite injury-hit form.
Claims of Chelsea and others moving for West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen are premature, with no enquiries expected until after West Ham’s relegation fight concludes.
Chelsea trail Brentford for Koln’s 19-year-old Said El Mala, after the Bees opened talks and prepared formal negotiations. Koln want upwards of €50m for the versatile attacker.
Chelsea are tipped to land a major signing, with the club’s recent heavy spending aimed at accelerating their return to former heights.
Todd Boehly’s forecast of Premier League streaming advances as ‘Premier League +’ launches in Singapore, potentially boosting future revenues for clubs like Chelsea.
If Enzo Maresca joins Man City, Chelsea could receive around £8m-£10m in compensation due to his still-active long-term contract and option year.
Chelsea target Anthony Gordon appeared to wave goodbye to Newcastle fans, though Bayern Munich have agreed personal terms. Newcastle could seek around £73.5m.
Thiago Silva, 41, leaves Porto after 14 games and a league title and hints at future work at his former clubs, keeping a Chelsea return in a coaching or backroom role open.
Michael Owen says Chelsea are ‘years’ from the title and may need about five years under Xabi Alonso, urging a rebuild while Alonso targets two centre-backs and a possible back three.
Man City, set to appoint ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, are tipped to target Marc Cucurella, with Barcelona and Atletico also keen. Chelsea must decide on his future with two years left on his deal.
Chelsea chose Xabi Alonso for continuity with Enzo Maresca’s positional play. The 2-1 win over Tottenham offers Alonso food for thought on using a back four despite his usual back five.
Asked about Joao Pedro, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella amid Barcelona and Madrid links, Xabi Alonso said: ‘We’ll make a good team’, stressing he is happy with the Chelsea project.
Chelsea face Sunderland with Colwill likely back, Lavia a major doubt. Joao Pedro is a minor doubt. Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens out. Mudryk remains banned amid a four-year suspension case.
Chelsea target Ousmane Diomande for Alonso’s defensive rebuild, but Bournemouth join the race amid €60m talk. Sporting want below €80m clause, with European football a lure Chelsea lacks.
In 2008’s Moscow final, Chelsea drew 1-1 with Man United before losing on penalties after Drogba’s red card and Terry’s slip, denying a first European crown.
Chelsea’s preseason under Xabi Alonso features AC Milan, Juventus and Tottenham, plus a tour opponent boasting a five-year unbeaten league run, offering an early benchmark.
Chelsea will assess Sunderland duo Robin Roefs, a 10-clean-sheet keeper, and striker Brian Brobbey. Strong displays could spur Stamford Bridge moves as Chelsea eye a new goalkeeper and No 9.
Incoming striker Emmanuel Emegha hailed Jorrel Hato’s display in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Tottenham, commenting, ‘What a game, lad!’ as the defender’s form continues to rise.
Barcelona’s Deco refuses to rule out signing Chelsea striker Joao Pedro as they seek a Lewandowski successor, with a summer approach possible after his 20 goals and nine assists.
Chelsea are interested in free agent Bernardo Silva, a six-time Premier League winner and Man City captain, to add experience under Xabi Alonso, especially if Enzo Fernandez departs.
